CHAPTER 3: FRESH START.

It was a beautiful morning, and the golden sunlight streamed through my window, casting soft patterns on the floorboards. I woke up earlier than usual, stirred by a blend of excitement and nerves. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter—my first day at Campbell University.

I stretched, letting the cool air touch my skin before getting up. I made myself a quick breakfast—fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs, a slice of toasted garlic bread that crackled under my fingers, and a warm cup of hot chocolate that comforted me more than I expected. My mind was already racing with thoughts about the opening ceremony, my classes, and the people I'd meet.

After breakfast, I double-checked my bag for everything—student ID, registration documents, and my trusty notebook. The apartment was quiet, and I paused by the door, taking a deep breath. A new life was waiting beyond it.

Even though the campus was only one train stop away and a fifteen-minute walk, I left an hour early. The last thing I wanted was to be late because of a delay. The new pedestrian pathway connecting the subway station directly to Campbell's main gate had only recently been completed, and I was curious to see it.

When I arrived at Campbell Station, the atmosphere was buzzing. Crowds of new students like me were pouring out of the trains, all wearing the same arm band on the right sleeve of their neatly pressed uniforms. It gave off an oddly formal, almost magical vibe—our uniforms looked more like something out of a Harry Potter movie than a modern university. With my ID tapped at the gate scanner, I followed the others into the tunnel.

The tunnel was unexpectedly dim. Faint lighting flickered along the curved ceiling, casting long shadows on the walls. I held a small lantern provided by the university, its soft glow barely cutting through the darkness. Was this part of the experience? A themed welcome to give the campus some mystique? Either way, it was eerie.

"When will I see the light?" I muttered under my breath, half-joking, though a part of me really meant it. I never liked dark, confined spaces. Around me, a few other students seemed just as uneasy, whispering and clinging to the walls. The air was damp, and footsteps echoed strangely off the stone floor. Despite the discomfort, we kept moving.

At last, light began to break through the end of the tunnel. As I approached the exit, I scanned my ID at the final gate—and stepped into a breathtaking hall.

It was unlike anything I'd expected. Crystals shimmered overhead, suspended like floating stars. Candles lined elegant tables in graceful spirals, casting a warm, golden glow. The space felt like a fusion of an old European cathedral and a fantastical banquet hall. This was Campbell University.

"Welcome, students of Campbell

University! Please proceed in an orderly fashion and follow instructions," a voice echoed warmly through the speakers.

Near the entrance, several tables were set up. Each student was directed to complete a quiz that would assign them to a group. My result pointed me toward the Eagle Group. A senior gestured me toward a side room with a large digital banner that read "EAGLE HOUSE."

Inside, the room was spacious, and a few students had already gathered. The rows of seats stretched back, but I chose one in the second row, close to the stage. I liked being able to see and hear clearly, even if it meant standing out a bit.

"Um… excuse me," a soft voice said beside me.

I turned to see a tall girl with long dark hair and elegant posture. Her outfit, though uniform-compliant, had a personal flair—something subtle but intentional.

"Yes?" I replied, smiling.

"Is this seat taken?" she asked, motioning to the one beside me.

"Nope. Go ahead."

"Thank you… I'm Rin Yajima," she said with a polite bow.

"I'm Hikari Mayumi. Nice to meet you, Yajima-san."

We shook hands lightly before she took her seat.

"Why're you sitting so close to the front?" she asked with a curious smile. Most students were gathering in the back rows.

"I like to listen closely. Helps me stay focused. Plus, I want to get the full experience."

"That makes sense. I usually prefer the front too, but my height kind of gets in the way for others," Rin admitted with a light laugh.

"Don't let them make you feel bad. You look amazing, and I'm sure people admire your confidence."

Her cheeks tinted slightly. "T-thank you. You're really kind… and pretty too."

We both laughed, easing into a comfortable rhythm.

"So, what major are you in?" she asked.

"Art History. I want to travel the world, learn about different cultures, and maybe even build my own little museum one day."

"That's awesome! Like an archaeologist or a curator?"

"Yeah, something like that. What about you?"

"Speech and Drama Arts," Rin said with a sheepish smile. "I was in the science track in high school, though. My parents weren't too thrilled about the switch."

"That's so brave of you. Following your passion despite pressure—it's not easy."

We chatted about our hopes, our dreams, and what we were most excited for. Rin eventually pulled out her phone to exchange contacts—hers was a sleek Samsung model, another quiet hint that she came from a well-off family.

Just then, the door opened and a confident-looking student walked in, heading straight to the stage. His presence immediately commanded attention.

"Welcome, Eagles," he said with a bright grin. "I'm Neji Akuro, your senior guide and this year's orientation speaker."

The room fell into an attentive hush.

"At Campbell, we do things a little differently," Akuro began. "We're not just about grades. We rank students monthly based on performance—academic, physical, social. But don't worry—it's not about competition. It's about self-growth. We've also introduced a new initiative: The Helper Program. For anyone struggling with mental health, financial pressure, social anxiety—you name it—there's a support system here for you."

His words were warm and genuine. For a moment, I felt truly at ease. This place didn't just want us to succeed—it wanted us to thrive.

The rest of the presentation laid out expectations, club invitations, and secrets of student life. By the end, I was buzzing with motivation. I could tell the others were too.

Afterward, Rin and I joined a tour of the campus. The facilities were impressive—spacious halls, cozy student lounges, high-tech labs, and an entire wing just for the arts. I couldn't help but imagine the next few years here—new challenges, friendships, and memories waiting to be made.

By noon, the tour ended. As we reached the main gate, Rin turned to me with a bright smile. "Wanna grab lunch together?"

"Sure," I said. "Let's celebrate surviving our first ceremony."

We found a student-friendly restaurant near campus, where our IDs got us a 50% discount. Over plates of baked cheese macaroni and iced tea, we talked more about our families, our hobbies, and what kind of people we hoped to become.

"Today was amazing," Rin said, sighing contentedly.

"It really was," I agreed.

As we parted ways, I promised to see her again soon. But my day wasn't over yet.

I had one more meeting—at the public library with Leah Michelle, Hanabi's friend's older sister. I made my way to the east side of campus, weaving through streets lit by early afternoon sun.

The library was quieter than I expected. Leah greeted me warmly and led me to a private staff area where we discussed the part-time job I had inquired about. Her demeanor was sharp but kind, and she made sure I understood the responsibilities clearly.

"You'll start on Thursday at 6 p.m.," she said. "Bring your own dinner—you'll have one short break. Got it?"

"Yes! Thank you so much. I really appreciate the opportunity."

Once it was all settled, I left the library feeling both tired and accomplished.

By the time I got home, the sun was dipping low on the horizon. I reheated some of Jasmin's leftovers—still delicious—and took a long, relaxing shower. As warm water washed away the day's excitement and tension, I smiled to myself.

I opened my laptop, queued up my favorite playlist on Spotify, and let the music fill the apartment as I sat on the couch, cradling a mug of tea.

This was just the beginning.